How to Set a 4th of July Table your Guests Won’t Want to Leave

June 29, 2018

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness….

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

-The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)

Powerful, powerful words. You just can’t read them and not feel blessed to live in the United States of America! I also can’t think of a better reason to celebrate than the 4th of July! Yay freedom!

As you all know, I absolutely LOVE having parties, but I don’t always love the expense that comes with them. This year I decided to work with items I already have and blend in a few new items to keep the cost minimal.

I’ve been planning and hosting parties for several decades, and even had a traveling tea room for a brief stint. Along the way I’ve learned a few tricks for putting together a fabulous bash on a budget. Now don’t get me wrong I can plan a big bash too, but as a single woman with one income I’m always thrilled when I can have the best of both worlds.

I think what I love most about parties is planning the tablescape. Have you ever been invited to someone’s house for dinner, walk in and see a beautifully set table? I don’t know about you but it makes me feel extra special. Sort of an unexpected higher level of hospitality.

You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to have a beautiful table. Since the 4th of July is just days away I’ve put together three tablescapes to get your creative juices flowing. These designs were created for us budget minded gals.

You will notice I am using some of the same pieces in each table design:

Wicker chargers: Can be purchased at Walmart, Pier One, World Market. Can be a little pricey but I got mine on sale at the end of fall at Pier One. You don’t have to use chargers or you can use different colors.

This is my favorite! Since I already had the chargers, plates, and stemware, I thought it would be fun if the women have a fan at their place and the men get an Uncle Sam hat.

God Bless America sign – Walmart $5.97

Hats/fans – Party City

Napkins/table cloth – Party City

Half circle flag – Party City

Foil center pieces – Dollar General $1.00 ea.

Table #2 – The Econo Partay – Total cost approximately $10

This table is sooooo easy and very cost conscious.

Plastic plates come in red or blue – Walmart $.88 for 4

Plastic cups come in red or blue – Walmart $.88 for 4

Plastic tablecloth – Walmart $.98

Plastic ware – Party City or Walmart

Napkins – Party City

Table #3 – Farm to Table – Total cost approximately $11.50

Try to use what you already have. Think wood, white, and greenery. Do you have any galvanized serving pieces? Keep the color palate clean, simple and organic. I had the chargers, calendar, silverware, bottles, and stemware. I only had to purchase:

Plastic tablecloth – $.98

Sprig of greenery – Hobby Lobby $2.47

4 white melamine plates – Walmart $1.98 ea. ($8.00)

This table turned out so pretty I think you could use it as a brunch, birthday party plastic and use a real white tablecloth. Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!

The other thing to remember is, your food is actually another level of your design. BBQ, watermelon, and salads will pop on all three of these palates.

When it comes to table design there are no rules! Anything goes! Your table is a blank canvas and you are the artist. YOU get to decide how simple or lavish you want to make it. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Okay, now I’m going to share my secret with you. The way to turn a good party into a fabulous party.

Surprise your guests with the unexpected.

Set up a mosquito Bar: get a card table and drape with a lime green plastic table cloth. Get several cans of bug spray and spray bottles with water to cool off (the color pallet is lime green and orange). Hang a sign and you and your guests can keep the fun going and the bugs away!

Take your drink station away from the crowded food line. One year we set up a 10 x 10 tent on the other side of the yard, hung lights and put a sign on it and we had a separate drink station. The guests seemed to appreciate not having to fight the crowd to get refills and ice.

One more thing! I found these CA-UTE ideas on Pinterest to enhance your party even more! I’ve already started on my yard stencils and it looks so cool!

My party goal is always that guests will feel welcome and comfortable, share good food, enjoy great fun and have them leaving with an afterglow.

No matter how you choose to spend this 4th of July, my prayer is that you will savor the time you spend with family and friends.

“For you have been called to live in freedom. Use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

Galatians 5:13

Well, I could just go on and on talking about entertaining but I have lights to hang and tables to set! Keep the party going!